The Addison Oratorio and Chamber Choirs in concert
After more than a quarter of a century conducting the local Addison Singers, music director David Wordsworth is placing his baton back in its box.
The winter concert on 26 November at St Peter's Church in Chiswick will be his last, having led both the oratorio and chamber choirs since 1995.
He will bow out leading the Singers through Joseph Haydn's 'Nelson Mass' – regarded by many as the composer's greatest work. It acquired its 'Nelson' title as the first performance in 1798 coincided with the British naval commander's triumph over Napoleon at the Battle of the Nile.
The concert will also feature the premiere of Master of the King's Music Judith Weir's 'O Sweet Spontaneous Earth', commissioned for the occasion, as well as pieces by Gavin Bryars, Bob Chilcott, Cecilia McDowall, Howard Skempton and Howard Goodall... composers who have been associated with the Addison choirs for many years.
The assistant music director for the choirs – Matthew Hough – will be the soloist in Finzi's 'Eclogue for piano and strings', with the Nelson Mass concluding the evening and featuring four young soloists, the Brandenburg Sinfonia and both the Oratorio and Chamber Choirs.
Hammersmith rehearsals
The Addison Singers divide into four choirs – two classical, two jazz – and rehearse at Hammersmith's Posk centre at 238 King Street. Singing classes are organised for beginners, intermediates and more accomplished singers.
After so many years as music director, David Wordsworth's final concert with the Addison Singers is expected to be an emotional occasion.
Under his direction, the choirs have appeared on prestigious stages across Europe, and at New York City's Carnegie Hall. Landmarks include a series of debut performances of works he personally commissioned, with high points including 150 singers performing Howard Goodall's 'Eternal Light' in the presence of the composer, and an evening of the music of Morten Lauridsen, with the composer himself at the piano.
David was also artistic director of Singing Shakespeare, a project focusing on choirs around the world singing different settings of Shakespeare texts.
The concert on Saturday 26 November will be held St Peter's Church Acton Green, in Southfield Road, W4 1BB, at 7.30pm.
Tickets are available here, with advance prices ranging from £3 for U16s to £17. Tickets may be available on the door. Visit the Addison Singers website for more information.
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